Recovery: New leader for New York

New York is pondering the future of the World Trade Center site as it clears the rubble.

SUMMARY:

New York voters elected Republican Michael Bloomberg mayor on Tuesday. Bloomberg defeated Democrat Mark Green in the race to succeed popular Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Elsewhere, voters in New Jersey elected Democrat Jim McGreevey to the governor's post, and Virginians elected Democrat Mark Warner to the governorship.

The decision Tuesday by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates reverberated through financial markets Wednesday. In mid-afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was holding steady, and the Nasdaq was up slightly.

UPDATE:

Republican Michael Bloomberg claimed victory in the New York mayoral contest early Wednesday, riding a last-minute surge spurred on by the endorsement of exiting GOP Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, to defeat Democrat Mark Green in a ferocious, nail-biter of a race. (Full story)

The Nasdaq composite index rose for a third straight session late Wednesday, hitting a fresh nine-week high as investors buoyed by the Federal Reserve's latest interest-rate cut bet on an economic recovery next year.(Full story)

The terrorist attacks have resulted in close scrutiny of immigrants and immigration policy. It is an uneasy time for about 500,000 foreign workers in the U.S. on H-1B temporary visas, given to skilled workers qualified in fields in which there aren't enough American workers. (Full story)

Half of the $85 million Twin Towers fund will be distributed within "the next week to 10 days," according to New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. (Full story)

The federal government has announced it is hiring more security employees on a temporary basis to improve oversight of screening checkpoints run by private contractors at the nation's airports. (Full story)

Verizon Wireless and the government are in the final stages of a deal that would give some emergency officials priority access to the company's cellular network, according to federal officials. (Full story)

What is a visit to Ground Zero like? The devastation is somewhat hidden. Police barricades and large blue particle boards obstruct the views. Crowds are kept behind chain link fences even farther back. Cranes are visible, as are American flags flapping atop surrounding buildings, but the actual site is somewhat mercifully hidden. And, at almost any time during the day, throngs of people jam the streets nearby. (Full story)

When the collapse of the World Trade Center towers sent 2 million tons of pulverized concrete and ash into the air, some of it landed on the gardens of the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy -- 30 acres of lawns, plants and trees at the southern tip of Manhattan. After cleaning up the area, staffers are pleased to see that the park appears to be flourishing. (Full story)

Laura Bush: First lady of the United States, she has become more visible since the terrorist attacks, making public appearances urging parents and teachers to help reassure children that everything is being done to try to keep them safe. Click here for more

Tom Ridge: Director of the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, a new Cabinet-level position Click here for more

Richard Clarke: Head of efforts to safeguard information systems for the Office of Homeland Security Click here for more

Wayne Downing: Retired Army general tapped as deputy national security adviser Click here for more

Dr. Ivan Walks: Director of the Department of Health for the District of Columbia

Paul O'Neill: Treasury secretary

Norman Y. Mineta:Transportation secretary

Jane Garvey: FAA administrator

VICTIMS:

The latest figures provided by federal and local officials give the following totals for the number of people dead or missing from the September 11 attacks.

WORLD TRADE CENTER: According to New York City officials, 3,962 are missing, including the 157 people on the two hijacked planes; 490 bodies have been identified.

PENTAGON: 64 dead on hijacked plane; another 125 dead or missing

PENNSYLVANIA: 44 confirmed dead on hijacked plane

IMPACT:

The events of September 11 exposed the vulnerability of the world's greatest superpower, presenting the United States with the challenge of recovering emotionally and physically.

The U.S. economy, threatened by recession before September 11, has suffered a number of blows in the weeks since. Several industries -- particularly the airline industry -- were hit hard by the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, and leading economic indicators dropped in September. Yet the nation's financial markets have thus far weathered the uncertainty, making up losses experienced in the days after reopening.

Incidents of anthrax found in mail have frightened many, and the notable increase of security at offices and public places indicates America to be a warier, more cautious place. But daily life has not been put on hold: People are still attending entertainment events, going to ballgames, and getting out. Psychologically, the country appears to be finding its way.